Hong Kong to host biggest esports event ever, first to receive ‘M’ Mark status

Blast Premier Hong Kong Rivals will see teams compete for US$1 million at the AsiaWorld-Expo in November

Hong Kong is set to host its biggest esports event ever, bringing some of the world’s best teams to compete for a US$1 million (HK$7.85 million) prize pot at the AsiaWorld-Expo in November, organisers announced on Tuesday.

Blast Premier Hong Kong Rivals will be the first event of its kind to be granted “M” Mark status, as officials said it would become a mainstay feature – with the aim of attracting more international gaming tournaments in the future.

Blast Premier is an international tournament series for the tactical first-person shooter Counter-Strike 2, which was launched in 2020 and broadcasts to more than 100 countries in over 30 languages.

“We stand before you with absolute confidence that Blast Premier Hong Kong Rivals will be one of the biggest esports events Asia has ever seen,” Leo Matlock, Blast’s chief business officer, said.